P.S Manohari Pelaketiya vs H.M. Gunasekera et al. – SC FR/NO. 76/2012-2012

In the case between P.S. Manohari Pelaketiya (Plaintiff) and respondents including officials from the Ministry of Education, certain school principals, and teachers (notably the 11th and 12th Respondents) (Defendants), the court addressed the issue of sexual harassment, administrative victimization, and the violation of fundamental rights of a public officer. It was held that the Petitioner’s rights under Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(a) of the Constitution were infringed by a pattern of harassment, improper disciplinary measures, and retaliation for exercising freedom of expression. The principle reaffirmed was that state actors hold a duty to safeguard vulnerable employees from wrongful administrative conduct and abuse of power. The decision relied on both national and international legal sta